College Life: new freedom, new independence.
Off to college!
So, you’re out of school
…and off to college. Congratulations! Order a pizza! Treat yourself to a tub of Haagen Dazs.
But wait — isn’t college just a different type of school?
Well, yes and no. Yes, you’ve got loads to study, and it isn’t going to be easy, either. But hey! — you don’t need to wake up at six in the morning anymore, classes are thoughtfully interspersed with snack breaks and you get to meet a whole bunch of cool people.
Best of all, you’ve seen the last of that awful uniform!
Year One
Freedom:
Your newfound freedom is going to take some getting used to, but are we going to tell you to behave yourself? Nah! Have fun, by all means! Just remember what you’re in college for, and don’t miss too many classes ;).
Money
It’s easy to get caught up in the fashionista race in college, and you’ll want to be hip at all times. But whatever you do, don’t use the college fees your parents are slogging for. If you insist on only the best styles, get a part-time job.
Independence
You also have to start taking charge of your own life, now. No one is going to punish you for not finishing your homework, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to do it. (Most of the time, anyway).
The College Party Girl.
Year Two
Freedom:
If you partied all through Year One, now is when you should wizen up. No more late weeknights and missing class the next day.
Money
By now, you’ve probably realised that there is no such thing as easy cash — you’ve learned one of life’s bitterest lessons. Good for you! Now, why not start saving a little towards the semester hols?
Independence
Start asking yourself how far behind you are in your studies, and take measures to curb your lag. Get to know your library better. No more doodling whilst your lecturer explains the wonders of Keynesian economic theory. And absolutely no more SMSing at tutorials!
Year Three
Freedom:
Typically, this will be Exam Year. You shouldn’t be going out much at all — yes, that means no shopping and no clubbing. College is about studying, nor partying.
Money
Anxiety is murder on the pocket, as you start drowning your exam fear in Chachos and (admit it) chocolate. Then again, you should be saving on your shopping binges. Keep a loving eye on your savings, and add to it — it’s going to be your reward for getting through this tough period.
Independence
Remember how teachers used to give you reams of sample test papers in school when your exams were round the corner? They served a purpose, you know. This time around, though, you have to plan your own training schedule. Good luck!
In the College Life series:
- College life: new freedom, new independence
- College life: new friends, new rules
- College life: your body, your health
- College life: boys, boys, boys!
- College life: study hard, study smart
- College life: fun, fun, fun!
